Meet the Leaders

Each year, Education Week identifies some of the nation’s most exceptional school district leaders in its EdWeek Leaders To Learn From report and shines a spotlight on their extraordinary impact on the success of educators and students.

2025 Leaders

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2025 EdWeek Leaders To Learn From
These district leaders have shown persistence and creativity as they navigate the challenges facing schools in a rapidly changing world.
Meet the 2025 Leaders

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Colorado Administrator Forges New Path for School Librarians
When budget cuts forced her district to cut back on librarians’ schedules, Julie A. Bowline re-deployed her librarians as digital literacy teachers.
Julie A. Bowline
Philadelphia Leader Makes the Case for Arts Education
By marshaling research evidence, finding outside partners, and nailing grants, Dennis Creedon has kept a robust arts program alive in his financially strapped school system.
Broward Superintendent Focuses on Building Bridges
The Florida K-12 district was at odds with its 95 charter schools before Robert Runcie came along with an agenda for change and collaboration.
Minneapolis Leader Turns School Cafeterias Into 'Real Kitchens'
Bertrand Weber has developed the recipe for creating cachet around school lunches and making them healthier for students.
Alaskan Leader Keeps Rural Students Connected
Geography is no barrier for students in the Lower Kuskokwim district who can take classes in digital photography and robotics via technology.
Dan Walker
Colo. Superintendent Shares Lessons on Crisis Management
Nicholas Gledich admits he's a pretty big fan of catchphrases.
Schools Chief Raises Academic Bar for Students in a Mississippi District
In Clarksdale, a superintendent’s recipe for improving schools includes themed magnet schools, tougher academics, citywide school choice, and a big infusion of grant money.
Ariz. Leader Uses Technology to Personalize Learning
Under Gail Pletnick’s leadership, students in Dysart’s schools are learning at their own pace, only moving on when they've fully grasped concepts.
Gail Pletnick
St. Louis Schools Leaders Team Up on Preschool Expansion
Facing dropping student enrollments, a superintendent and a teachers’ union leader collaborated to open up more preschool seats and keep their struggling district viable.
Texas District Goes Door to Door to Find Dropouts
The dropout rate decreased by 90 percent in Daniel P. King's first five years at the helm of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo schools.
Special Ed. Director Blazes Paths in Virginia
This longtime special educator has been a pioneer in her state in improving services to students with autism spectrum disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
Judy Sorrell
Missouri Educator Pushes Power of Social Media
Kyle Pace has been training teachers to use technology since he was a student himself.
Kyle Pace

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